Lookbook: Pine & Patterns (and Old Navy jeans in petite vs reg)

This winter outfit easily converts for a business casual work environment. I plan on replacing the black legging jeans with some trousers or ankle pants, and tucking in the button-up shirt. You can also try the sweater with a rich camel or black pencil skirt.

I only got one of these sweaters for myself and am regretting leaving the fuchsia behind. A reader recently asked why I am against buying duplicates. I used to get over-excited at finding things that “fit” and freely hoarded multiples of different colors. Looking back, many of these things were quite mediocre and didn’t even fit right. Now that I’m more experienced, I know that there will be other, new options in the future (unless it’s a true challenge item, like petite-friendly suiting) and that fashion tastes will change over time. Unless I am certain that a piece will be a wardrobe favorite, I’m hesitant to buy more than one…but will probably regret not doing so for this sweater!

Some of you asked if this Goyard tote can be worn over the shoulder. I do carry it on my shoulder, but the straps get snug over a thick coat. My regular-sized friend tried it on and could not comfortably toss it over her shoulder. The strap drop height is only 7″ compared to about 9″ on my favorite travel bag, the Longchamp large tote.

These are the same Old Navy jeggings from this post, except in the petite sizing. Petite sizing is supposed to be not just shorter in length, but should also have a lower rise, narrower hips and waist, higher knee position, etc (according to ON themselves). That to me is the difference between buying “petite” versus just a regular size with short inseam.

When I got the 0P jeans, however, I immediately noticed that the waist, hips, and inseam fit exactly like my 0R, with the only difference being a 2″ shorter inseam and slightly, ever so slightly narrower thighs. I had hoped that the petite version would have smaller proportions and smaller back pockets (wishful thinking!). I looked at the tag and it doesn’t even say 0P – just “0 X Short.” I like the inseam a lot on me, but have to complain about the big stiff back pockets, stiffer denim material, and the lint-magnet material. **UPDATE** – According to several readers, it looks like Old Navy may have mistakenly sent me the 0 Short instead of the 0 Petite, which would explain no differences in the waist/hip area.

Readers – Did any of you pick up the honeycomb sweater or the ON jeggings? What are your thoughts?

i have black rockstars (in regular, but i have a 27 inch inseam) and they attract EVERYTHING. i also think they fit weird in the crotch, so i don't wear them much.

my favorite old navy jeans ever were the flirt super skinny in the ruby wash. they don't make them anymore though. 🙁

Anonymous
January 8, 2012 at 3:16 pm

I picked up the honeycomb sweater in camel and love it! Planning to pair it with a red lightweight wool skirt for work tomorrow – it's always good to look forward to a Monday if it means there'll be a fun outfit!

I debated purchasing the sweater in another color, but I'm also wary of duplicates, and there weren't a lot of great color options in my size at the local J.Crew. I did, however, pick up a great sleepshirt for only $23. Love the sales!

lin
January 8, 2012 at 3:20 pm

i like everything you wore in here. you look great as always. i went to jcrew after reading your previous sales post and was fortunate enough to be able to find a tan honeycomb sweater since it was slim pickings. again, thanks for letting us know of the sale. 😉

The tote really is a freshness to the whole outfit and also tie all the colors together! You look beautiful in pine color.I really appreciate your detailed review of coats and sweaters which are hard to hunt for petites. If possible, Can I ask your shoulder width for a reference? Thanks ahead.About buying duplicates, I totally agree with you. I used to buy several different colors of the same item and end up just wearing the color I love most.

Jean, love the forest green color on you. I tried on the camel color yesterday in store, but not convinced that it looked any good on me. Only passable. lol. So I skipped. I would love to see the bright dahlia color on you too. Btw, since you mentioned it, I did find the material of this sweater less desirable. My nose was telling me that it was made of a lot of different artificial element that are not friendly to sensitive skins. I found it very scratchy worn against the bare skin.On the ON jeans, I think they sent you the wrong pair. You didn't get a petite 0P, you got the regular short. They are different as you can see on the ON website. I think it's a mistake on their end, and it happened to me before. Never thought of wearing the Cameo on the collar that way. I have to try it sometime. Overall, I can't get over how pretty you look in this outfit – especially the first picture, Jean. Nice job.

I ordered the 0P ON jeggings in black and ruby and both of my tags said 0 short as well. I returned both due to the stiff material and slight bagginess in the crotch and rear. I was only craving the bright dahlia but now this post has me craving the pine as well!

I live-chatted with JCrew and tried to ask if I could order and get in-store price, but sadly they told me I had to be inside a store. 🙁 (Btw if you're signed in and have something in your cart, I noticed the option to chat is in the corner. Not sure if this is always the case though.)

Yay the bag came out! I love it on you and I think the pattern/colors make it versatile for a ton of outfits. I liked the honeycomb sweater as well but the material was a tad bit scratchy for me since I like to wear sweaters with sleeveless tanks under a lot. Looking good!

Grace
January 8, 2012 at 5:14 pm

I bought the black ON jeggings a couple of months ago and initially loved them. But after a couple of wears the butt/crotch area started to stretch out and worst of all, they started to smell! Kind of like burning rubber… I can't stand to wear them anymore. I found out it was from the dye used to make them black that made them smell that way. I have another pair of regular blue jeggings and those are fine. Just thought I'd share 🙂 Great outfit!

I love those CL's… Where did you get it? I've been wanting one for awhile now but they're so expensive so I end up not purchasing one. But yours, they make me want one REALLY BAD NOW. Good shape, good heel, good toe. I love it!

Anonymous
January 8, 2012 at 6:22 pm

Is the color of this J. Crew coat "cobblestone" or "warm gray" (or something else)? Do you remember? I'm thinking of ordering one but can't quite figure out the colors….

Anonymous
January 8, 2012 at 6:48 pm

I definitely think ON sent the wrong jeggings. I wear the zero regular and cannot fit into the zero petite. My tag said petite on it. I returned them so I do not have the tag to show. I'm glad to know there is a zero short. That would work well for me.

Y
January 8, 2012 at 6:59 pm

I rushed to jcrew after work after I saw your post on the honeycomb sweater being on sale with extra 40% off. I love the sweater because is thick and great for layering. I follow your blog all the time although i am not really "extra petite". I love the sweater yet I feel that it runs a bit short for regular size women.

I was pretty close to ordering that honeycomb sweater online a few days ago when they were still doing 25% off sale items – unfortunately, coupled with higher Canadian prices and shipping fees, it still added up to something like $50… not worth it to me. Makes me want to live in the states sometimes! 😉

Great styling here – I love the winter-esque palette and am excited to see you remix that sweater for work!

Hi Jean, I've been reading your blog for a while. I love your purchases and the way you write!

Fortunately, I'm a size 2 in H&M;, so most of the tops you end up trying will fit me the same way. I recently bought two JCrew Honeycomb sweaters, one in cream, and one in blue. I loved both colors!

Unfortunately there were no XXS in my store (Toronto), so I ended up getting XS instead. I find them to be a bit looser, but somehow (perhaps because the torso is roomier), I find that my boobs shows up better. I'll try taking a picture of it in the future, but I was wondering if you had a chance to try on the XS in the honeycomb sweaters.

I also bought the Cambridge cable turtleneck sweater in blue, in XXS, and I must say, the fit was lovely!

such a cute outfit, jean! i love seeing your goyard tote. the design and pattern is really unique. so weird they sent you the wrong size!! i do like the shorter inseam. i think the 0S would fit me nicely, since i am larger than you on the bottom. but at the moment i'm too cheap to spend $34 on jeggings and plus i don't need it either! mb i'll order it to try it for size since i need to order $50 with my chambray to get free shipping. 😛

Anonymous
January 8, 2012 at 8:28 pm

Just beautiful as always, Jean! I love your style! I do think you could find better fitting jeans though. You have such a cute shape, but the butt area of those jeans overwhelm your tiny figure. They still look cute on you – don't get me wrong!! You look fabulous! I realize good fitting jeans are a hard find for us little gals so we have to take what we can find. Bebe is probably not your style, but I do have to say that they have great demim for us petite girls. Have you tried their demin? Bebe is definitely not a place to find conservative clothing, but I've actually found some great pants shopping there.

You look gorgeous!!! Love everything about this outfit. In regards to the ON jeggings, I think they sent you the wrong size Jean. That's so annoying =( I wished we lived closer so that we can just let each other try on clothes. The ON petite 0 should fit you perfectly, because it's a little tight on me. I'm planning to order the light blue and white color for Spring.

lollipop
January 8, 2012 at 9:01 pm

hi Jean! I don't know if you already known or not but the cashmere crewneck sweaters and cardigans are on sale at AT stores for only $23.99 to $29.99 each with the add 40% off, down from over $188. I ordered a few over the phone and I'm just wondering if you could let me know is there anything else I need to do after the phone order? Like call back to see if the order gets shipped? I've never placed an order over the phone with AT so I'd really appreciate it if you could tell me your experience. Thank you!

Beautiful outfit. Love the green honeycomb sweater on you. I tried it on in the store and regret not buying it(maybe it was the one I picked, it was extremely linty). Love how you style the sweater.

Anonymous
January 8, 2012 at 10:02 pm

I love your styling of the sweater! I'm so sad my local store was out of my size!

I did some shopping this weekend and am kind of discouraged by the offerings at BR…have you been there lately? I'm 5' tall and 96 lbs, and many of their new blouses are just laughably huge on me in a 00P. LOFT seems more promising. Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading all about your new purchases as we get closer to spring!